Day_Old_Dutchie:The adults involved in this, the self-righteous, sanctimonious, tiny-minded hate-filled bigots are some of the worst examples of humanity on this planet.

I wouldn't piss on one if they were on fire. If you cracked their heads open you would find nothing but solid concrete.

It's a travesty that we even have share the same oxygen with this scum.

Assumes facts not in evidence. A male in this situation would have been jailed regardless of the sex of the younger teen. Also, a male wouldn't have been offered the chance to not be a registered sex offender for the rest of their lives. Sounds to me like she IS being treated as an equal regardless of sex and orientation.

dlp211:redslippers: dlp211: This is stupid, and so are the laws around HS/teenage/young adult relationships. Girl shouldn't be charged with anything. If this was a guy he shouldn't be charged with anything. Seniors date freshman all the time and guess what, teenagers have sex.

Seniors do not date freshman "all the time". And yes, there should be laws on the books to prevent older, more mature kids from having sexual encounters with kids who are not old enough to drive a car, let alone determine whether or not they are ready to have sex.

When is the last time you had a conversation with a fourteen year old girl? My daughter is very mature for her age. She gets good grades, talks to me about things going on socially, boys, even told me openly that she is a little confused about her sexuality and thinks she may be a lesbian. She is incredibly smart, and for her age, very well reasoned. But she isn't old enough to decide whether or not to have sex. And an older person, boy or girl, who is a legal adult, should have no interest in a fourteen year old. The vast majority of these situations are predatory. There is a grossly uneven power dynamic between the parties and the younger is at a significant disadvantage. The law recognizes this, and the law is there because society recognizes this.

Sorry to bust your bubble, but seniors date freshman all the time, more specifically, senior boys date freshman girls, and this isn't even new, this has been going on since at least my grandparents generation. This wasn't someone in college dating a freshman in high school. This was a senior dating a freshman. They were a part of the same peer group.

They were not "part of the same peer group". How much time have you spent around teenagers lately? How much time immersed in a high school? It is scandalous for a senior to date a freshman. These girls were not buddies all along, they JUST MET. Seniors and freshmen do not share classes, they do not haunt the same social circles, they are not "peers". Seniors and Juniors, that argument holds valid. Juniors and sophomores, there is overlap. Sophomores and freshmen, some overlap. And there is the occasional senior dating an older sophomore.

This was an 18 year old legal adult, dating a 14 year old child. A girl old enough to buy a car, or a house, vote, work, leave the country of her own volition, live alone, get married, join the military, and go to college, dating a girl FRESH OUT OF MIDDLE SCHOOL. A girl who is not old enough to drive, or even have a bank account without her parent's name on it.

ferretman:I like how they refer to the 'criminal' as 18 yrs old but refer to the 'victim' as 14 yrs old....when in fact the 'criminal' was 17 yrs old when it started (which is okay by law; with a 14 yr old) and the 'victim' is currently 15 yrs old. So it's a 18 yr old and a 15 yr old, 3 year difference. Hope she 'wins'.

Ignore what I said...didn't know the facts...hope this makes up for it:

Sigh, at this point I have to agree with those who say prosecute. But the age thing is an issue mostly because, as others pointed out, maturity does not magically appear overnight with a change of age.

The law needs to be more flexible. But in this case? I actually think the 18 year old knew better. But was blinded by the stupidity of youth.

(1)A person 24 years of age or older who engages in sexual activity with a person 16 or 17 years of age commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.084. As used in this section, "sexual activity" means oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another; however, sexual activity does not include an act done for a bona fide medical purpose.So...as long as they simply say they're not eating each other out, it's...perfectly legal. They can tussle around in bed, make out, do everything...so long as they don't do any carpet munching (or, so long as they say they aren't doing any...). That seems like a pretty easy way to win this, really...as lesbians, they are actually at a bit of an advantage in the situation. Simply going on dates, kissing, making out, that sort of thing? Not illegal.

She's being charged with "lewd and lascivious battery". Please see 800.04 which includes under 5.a, "A person who intentionally touches in a lewd or lascivious manner the breasts, genitals, genital area, or buttocks, or the clothing covering them, of a person less than 16 years of age..." So, as long as she did not touch any interesting bits or the clothing that covers them, she'll be fine.

I can only hope that this goes to trial and that she not only gets convicted but receives a very hefty sentence that not only includes jail time but also her name on a sex offender registry.

Why?

Because if the situation involved a 18 year old guy and a 14 year old girl most people, especially feminists, would be screaming statutory rape. Instead, because this is a "lesibian relationship" everyone is treating the rapist like some sort of hero...

If she admitted committing two counts, like it says in the affidavit, what defense will she make at trial? Is she going to go for jury nullification, or what? Sounds risky, seeing as how she could get 15 years in prison.

Day_Old_Dutchie:The adults involved in this, the self-righteous, sanctimonious, tiny-minded hate-filled bigots are some of the worst examples of humanity on this planet.

I wouldn't piss on one if they were on fire. If you cracked their heads open you would find nothing but solid concrete.

It's a travesty that we even have share the same oxygen with this scum.

I hope you are trolling. Because the Hunt's have been lying right and left trying to garner public outcry. Thre is no evidence that the victim's parents are bigots, or that there is any motivation beyond the fact that Ms. Hunt was engaged in an illegal sexual relationship with their daughter, with an age difference of 18 and 14, and then enticed her to run away and spend the night with her and have more sex.

redslippers:dlp211: redslippers: dlp211: This is stupid, and so are the laws around HS/teenage/young adult relationships. Girl shouldn't be charged with anything. If this was a guy he shouldn't be charged with anything. Seniors date freshman all the time and guess what, teenagers have sex.

Seniors do not date freshman "all the time". And yes, there should be laws on the books to prevent older, more mature kids from having sexual encounters with kids who are not old enough to drive a car, let alone determine whether or not they are ready to have sex.

When is the last time you had a conversation with a fourteen year old girl? My daughter is very mature for her age. She gets good grades, talks to me about things going on socially, boys, even told me openly that she is a little confused about her sexuality and thinks she may be a lesbian. She is incredibly smart, and for her age, very well reasoned. But she isn't old enough to decide whether or not to have sex. And an older person, boy or girl, who is a legal adult, should have no interest in a fourteen year old. The vast majority of these situations are predatory. There is a grossly uneven power dynamic between the parties and the younger is at a significant disadvantage. The law recognizes this, and the law is there because society recognizes this.

Sorry to bust your bubble, but seniors date freshman all the time, more specifically, senior boys date freshman girls, and this isn't even new, this has been going on since at least my grandparents generation. This wasn't someone in college dating a freshman in high school. This was a senior dating a freshman. They were a part of the same peer group.

They were not "part of the same peer group". How much time have you spent around teenagers lately? How much time immersed in a high school? It is scandalous for a senior to date a freshman. These girls were not buddies all along, they JUST MET. Seniors and freshmen do not share classes, they do not haunt the same social circles, ...

They played on the same basketball team. There are in fact classes where there are seniors and freshman together, they are called electives. I spend a fair amount of time around teenagers considering that my sister in law is 16 now and I have known her she was 9, plus all her friends. It is far from "scandalous" for a senior to date a freshman. Again, the law with regard to these kinds of situations is stupid.

redslippers:But she isn't old enough to decide whether or not to have sex. And an older person, boy or girl, who is a legal adult, should have no interest in a fourteen year old. The vast majority of these situations are predatory. There is a grossly uneven power dynamic between the parties and the younger is at a significant disadvantage. The law recognizes this, and the law is there because society recognizes this.

Very well said. How on earth did the human race even get to this point, what with all the predatory, exploitative teen-on-teen sex going on before the advent of modern statutory rape laws?

England's first statutory rape law was passed in 1275. It set the age of consent at 12. No close in age stuff. A 40 year old man could bonk a 12 year old if he wanted.

But they soon realized their mistake. So in 1576, parliament voted to change the age of consent--to 10.

The vast majority of these situations are predatory

1) What do you mean by "predatory?"

2) How do you know the vast majority of 18 year olds dating 14 year olds situations are predatory?

dlp211:Again, the law with regard to these kinds of situations is stupid.

The law is there to prevent predation on minors to young to do pretty much anything without their parents consent. 14 year olds are not known for their wise decision making skills. Se Bieber, Justin for exhibit A.

(1)A person 24 years of age or older who engages in sexual activity with a person 16 or 17 years of age commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.084. As used in this section, "sexual activity" means oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another; however, sexual activity does not include an act done for a bona fide medical purpose.So...as long as they simply say they're not eating each other out, it's...perfectly legal. They can tussle around in bed, make out, do everything...so long as they don't do any carpet munching (or, so long as they say they aren't doing any...). That seems like a pretty easy way to win this, really...as lesbians, they are actually at a bit of an advantage in the situation. Simply going on dates, kissing, making out, that sort of thing? Not illegal.

Uhm, NO. It is covered by Florida statute 800.04 paragraph (5) LEWD OR LASCIVIOUS MOLESTATION.-(a) A person who intentionally touches in a lewd or lascivious manner the breasts, genitals, genital area, or buttocks, or the clothing covering them, of a person less than 16 years of age, or forces or entices a person under 16 years of age to so touch the perpetrator, commits lewd or lascivious molestation.

and

2. An offender 18 years of age or older who commits lewd or lascivious molestation against a victim 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of agecommits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

Actually, she's charged under paragraph (4):

(4)LEWD OR LASCIVIOUS BATTERY.-A person who:(a)Engages in sexual activity with a person 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age; or(b)Encourages, forces, or entices any person less than 16 years of age to engage in sadomasochistic abuse, sexual bestiality, prostitution, or any other act involving sexual activity

bukijin:Tommy Moo: I don't know. The problem with the law is that there's no grey area, but in the real world there is.

That's what the jury is for.

Except they are not. Juries determine guilt, not punishment. And while jury nullification is a thing, to few people know about it, and mentioning it will be an instant ticket to getting you disqualified.

SkinnyHead:If she admitted committing two counts, like it says in the affidavit, what defense will she make at trial? Is she going to go for jury nullification, or what? Sounds risky, seeing as how she could get 15 years in prison.

I'd say jury nullification is her only hope. I can see maybe convincing one or two jurors that this really is all about her being a lesbian and not about her being an adult molesting a 14-year-old. But I just can't see her convincing an entire jury, even in Florida, to overlook both the law and the facts of the case.

I disagree. It is far from common. It does happen, and when it does, you usually have a younger senior and an older freshman.

These two met in September. They relationship began in November. That is not long enough to be an established part of a peer group. The definition of peer group is as follows:

peer′ group`n.a group of friends or associates, usu. of similar background, social status, and esp. age, who are likely to influence a person's beliefs and behavior. My kids are in a small school, where the kindergartners are housed in the same building as the highschoolers. The older kids and the younger kids all know each other, they pass each other in hallways, they even occasionally share an elective (4-H, agriculture studies, chorus, band, drama, all grouped by interest and ability rather than age). By your definition, my kindergartner belongs to the same peer group as my 14 year old, because they attend school in the same building and have the occasional overlap in chorus and 4-H. That argument is ludicrous.

14 year olds and 18 year olds do not belong to the same peer group. With teenagers, an age difference of just six months can be a massive difference. The brain development of a 14 year old does not even compare to the brain development of an 18 year old.

But that is okay, keep clinging to your ridiculous claim that because they saw each other at basket ball practice, the 14 year old was on equal footing with an 18 year old.

Radioactive Ass:The law is there to prevent predation on minors to young to do pretty much anything without their parents consent. 14 year olds are not known for their wise decision making skills. Se Bieber, Justin for exhibit A.

Frankly, statutory rape laws shouldn't exist past say age 16. If we trust you to drive a car and not kill everyone on the road you should be trusted with any decision regarding sex. If you're 16 and want to have sex with a 60 year old you should be able to do so.

(1)A person 24 years of age or older who engages in sexual activity with a person 16 or 17 years of age commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.084. As used in this section, "sexual activity" means oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another; however, sexual activity does not include an act done for a bona fide medical purpose.So...as long as they simply say they're not eating each other out, it's...perfectly legal. They can tussle around in bed, make out, do everything...so long as they don't do any carpet munching (or, so long as they say they aren't doing any...). That seems like a pretty easy way to win this, really...as lesbians, they are actually at a bit of an advantage in the situation. Simply going on dates, kissing, making out, that sort of thing? Not illegal.

Uhm, NO. It is covered by Florida statute 800.04 paragraph (5) LEWD OR LASCIVIOUS MOLESTATION.-(a) A person who intentionally touches in a lewd or lascivious manner the breasts, genitals, genital area, or buttocks, or the clothing covering them, of a person less than 16 years of age, or forces or entices a person under 16 years of age to so touch the perpetrator, commits lewd or lascivious molestation.

and

2. An offender 18 years of age or older who commits lewd or lascivious molestation against a victim 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of agecommits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

Actually, she's charged under paragraph (4):

(4)LEWD OR LASCIVIOUS BATTERY.-A person who:(a)Engages in sexual activity with a person 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age; or(b)Encourages, forces, or entices any person less than 16 years of age to engage in sadomasochistic abuse, sexual bestiality, prostitution, or any other act involving sexual activity

Thanks, I've copied that damn thing and pasted it so much I failed to pay close attention.

Radioactive Ass:dlp211: Again, the law with regard to these kinds of situations is stupid.

The law is there to prevent predation on minors to young to do pretty much anything without their parents consent. 14 year olds are not known for their wise decision making skills. Se Bieber, Justin for exhibit A.

And yet 14 year olds do things that there parents wouldn't consent to and make stupid decisions all the time and the world keeps turning. And guess what, this has been going on forever.

As I said it is damning. Although you have to remember that's the cops story (don't get me wrong I'm not saying there lying) there may be more to it though. I also found it interesting the 18 yr old is only 5'1" tall, don't know why, but I can't see a girl that height forcing anyone to do anything.

redslippers:Read the thread, and in specific, my posts. You are incorrect on age, you are incorrect on the charges, you have a very misinformed viewpoint. This chica is going to jail. She openly admitted to police, after being Mirandized, to having multiple sexual encounters with a 14 year old, which in Florida is ALWAYS illegal.

You're right. I fell for TFA's "child abuse" shorthand. Had to really dig to find the exact charge: lewd or lascivious battery on a person between the ages of 12 and 16. FS 800.04(4)

(4)LEWD OR LASCIVIOUS BATTERY.-A person who:(a)Engages in sexual activity with a person 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age; or(b)Encourages, forces, or entices any person less than 16 years of age to engage in sadomasochistic abuse, sexual bestiality, prostitution, or any other act involving sexual activity

Doesn't look like a perp has to be over 18 for that charge. The age of 18 figures into other sections of the statute.

Puckmarin:Frankly, statutory rape laws shouldn't exist past say age 16. If we trust you to drive a car and not kill everyone on the road you should be trusted with any decision regarding sex. If you're 16 and want to have sex with a 60 year old you should be able to do so.

Neums:The relationship had been going on for some time, when they were 14 and 17. The parents of the then-14-year-old waited until the day Hunt turned 18 to file charges. From what I've read, they're religious, blamed Hunt for coercing and turning their child gay, and planned for the birthday to punish them. But can they prove that they were together once Hunt turned 18? Seems to me that Hunt and the girlfriend could have decided to cool thing down until the girlfriend became legal. If all the activity happened prior to Hunt turning 18, then it's not statutory rape, is it?

This crap needs to stop. The girl turned 18 in august, the relationship started in November. The lies from the Hunts will ruin their daughter.

On the one hand she was almost certainly targeted by the mother for being gay. On the otherhand, that was a pretty sweet plea deal, and I don't think running on the discrimination angle is going to work when you actually committed the crime in question.

Meaning, she might have turned you in for bigoted reasons, but that doesn't let you get off scott-free.

bugontherug:redslippers: But she isn't old enough to decide whether or not to have sex. And an older person, boy or girl, who is a legal adult, should have no interest in a fourteen year old. The vast majority of these situations are predatory. There is a grossly uneven power dynamic between the parties and the younger is at a significant disadvantage. The law recognizes this, and the law is there because society recognizes this.

Very well said. How on earth did the human race even get to this point, what with all the predatory, exploitative teen-on-teen sex going on before the advent of modern statutory rape laws?

England's first statutory rape law was passed in 1275. It set the age of consent at 12. No close in age stuff. A 40 year old man could bonk a 12 year old if he wanted.

But they soon realized their mistake. So in 1576, parliament voted to change the age of consent--to 10.

The vast majority of these situations are predatory

1) What do you mean by "predatory?"

2) How do you know the vast majority of 18 year olds dating 14 year olds situations are predatory?

Laws on the books several hundred years ago are hardly comparable to modern society. That was not exactly known as an enlightened time, nor were life spans long enough to wait until your 20s or 30s to marry or procreate.

As far as "predatory" I mean that the relationship is unequal. The younger is at a significant psychological, intellectual, and emotional disadvantage. Therefore, the sexual relationship is predatory, as while the older party is old enough to understand ramifications and make sound decisions, the younger party is not. This is the very reason that a minor cannot enter into a contract. Because the contract would be at it's very nature predatory, sue to the power imbalance. I do not mean that all teenagers who've ever wanted to tap the ass of a younger teenager are predators. But the relationship is predatory.

And how do I know? Because 14 year olds and 18 year olds, when when comparing the ability to make decisions, think about long term as well as short term consequences, etc., you may as well be comparing apes to humans. How is this so hard to comprehend? Let me guess, you've never parented a teenager, have you?

I disagree. It is far from common. It does happen, and when it does, you usually have a younger senior and an older freshman.

These two met in September. They relationship began in November. That is not long enough to be an established part of a peer group. The definition of peer group is as follows:

peer′ group`n.a group of friends or associates, usu. of similar background, social status, and esp. age, who are likely to influence a person's beliefs and behavior. My kids are in a small school, where the kindergartners are housed in the same building as the highschoolers. The older kids and the younger kids all know each other, they pass each other in hallways, they even occasionally share an elective (4-H, agriculture studies, chorus, band, drama, all grouped by interest and ability rather than age). By your definition, my kindergartner belongs to the same peer group as my 14 year old, because they attend school in the same building and have the occasional overlap in chorus and 4-H. That argument is ludicrous.

14 year olds and 18 year olds do not belong to the same peer group. With teenagers, an age difference of just six months can be a massive difference. The brain development of a 14 year old does not even compare to the brain development of an 18 year old.

But that is okay, keep clinging to your ridiculous claim that because they saw each other at basket ball practice, the 14 year old was on equal footing with an 18 year old.

Of course a 14 year old and kindergartener aren't of the same peer group, that is just dumb. But a 14 year old freshman, and an 18 year old senior are. The 14 and 18 year old read the same magazines, watch the same shows, eat at the same places, and hang out with the same people outside of school. And I could go cherry pick a definition for peer group too.